SECAUCUS BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES DATED: DECEMBER 19, 2013

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1 SECAUCUS BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES DATED: DECEMBER 19, 2013 President McStowe called the meeting to order at 4:05PM and roll call taken as follows: PRESENT: Messrs. Anderson, Gerbasio, Lewis, Riebesell, McStowe, Mrs. D Addetta, and Ms. Marra, and Mrs. O Connell ABSENT: Mrs. Snedeker President McStowe declared a quorum present Also present: Robert Presuto, CSA Grace Yeo, Acting SBA/BS Stephen Fogarty, Esq. Vice President Riebesell, asked everyone to rise and join in the salute to the flag. In accordance with the provisions of the Open Public Meeting Act, Vice President Riebesell, announced that the Acting Board Secretary had forwarded notice of this meeting for advertising by having the date, time and place thereof posted in the Secaucus Town Hall, on the bulletin board in the hallway of the Board of Education Administration Building, as well as being provided to the Secaucus Home News, Jersey Journal, and the Bergen Record. RESOLUTION Mr. Riebesell Mr. Gerbasio WHEREAS, it shall be necessary for the Secaucus Board of Education to discuss subjects concerning personnel matters; BE IT RESOLVED, that the aforesaid subject will be discussed in closed Executive Session pursuant to the provisions of P.L. 1975, Chapter 231, and that such deliberations thereto will be made available to the public as soon as the reasons for non-disclosure no longer exist. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Secaucus Board of Education went into Executive Session at 4:08PM in order to discuss personnel. Board Members present unanimously adopted the foregoing Resolution. Motion by Mr. Riebesell, seconded by Mr. Lewis, and unanimously adopted by Board Members present to adjourn Executive Session and resume Regular Meeting at 7:03PM.

2 Motion by Mr. Riebesell, seconded by Mrs. O Connell, and unanimously adopted by board members present to accept and approve the Special Board Meeting of November 13, 2013 and Regular Meeting of November 21, 2013 board meeting minutes. Ms. Marra abstained for both and Mrs. O Connell abstained for the November 13, 2013 meeting. Organization Reports: Iqra Ahmed reported on behalf of the JSA. The members are hard at work preparing for the February Congress in Washington DC in which they will prepare mock bills for Animal Rights and Term Limits. January 4, 2014 the JSA will hold their first annual Alumni Night and all past and present members are invited. The members are also proposing to erect a plaque for all Secaucus Residents who have served in the Armed Forces. Ms. Ahmed proudly announced that the Secaucus Chapter was chosen as The National Chapter of the Month. Ms. Linda Wilhelm, Principal of Huber Street reported on all the December activities including Enrichment activities. Superintendent Report: Mr. Presuto first and foremost thanked the PTA s, Mayor, Staff, and Board Members for all their help and support in the success of the passing of the December 10, 2013 Referendum. This was truly a team and community effort to enrich the education of the students of Secaucus. The referendum will allow the Board of Education to provide a true model of student grades 6-8 which in turn will allow additional programs to be offered throughout the district. Although unable to attend all the Holiday Concerts, he was able to be present for rehearsals. Truly the students participating in our music programs are gifted. He also reported he attended the annual Senior Citizens Holiday Breakfast and the Community Tree Lighting, and was able to experience the small town feel of Secaucus and wished everyone a Happy Holiday. Mr. Presuto presented the HIB Report for the month of November which is available at the Administrative Offices. Recommended action on resolutions and motions to be presented under Committee Reports. Acting Business Administrator/Board Secretary Report: Grace Yeo thanked the staff at the Board Office for all their hard work in preparing for December 10, 2013 Referendum. Ms. Yeo also thanked the Mayor, the Board Members and the community for their support in this endeavor. Report presented by Auditor, Michael McQuire, for the school year provided an update on the finding and recommendation for corrective action. Resolution will be presented under Finance Committee. Recommended action on resolutions and motions to be presented under Committee Reports. Public Agenda Comments: None

3 1. School Government Committee Reports and New Business R1.1 BE IT RESOLVED: that the Secaucus Board of Education does hereby approve the application for the emergent hiring of the individuals listed below for the school year as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools and, Name Francelis Montes DeOca Position Human Resources Specialist replacing LaMonica McIver (account # ) Effective Date: January 6, 2014 Compensation: $65, pro-rated for the school year Richard T. Calhoun Staff Accountant/Assistant Board Secretary (account # ) Effective Date: January 2, 2014 Compensation: $80, pro-rated for the school year Michael Makarski Compensation: Residency/Truancy Officer (account # $25.00 per/hour not to exceed $35, for the remainder of the school year. R1.2 BE IT RESOLVED: that the Secaucus Board of Education does hereby appoint the following teachers to the Title I Instructional Support Program for Middle/High School as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools. Middle School - Duration: January 6, April 25, 2014 Math: Language Arts: Fury Baker Kelly Waters Rianna LaGrassa Meghan Maddalena Toni Ann Palmisano Pam Stokols Pasquale Cocucci Allison Cunniff Up to 40 hourly sessions per teacher for Math and Language Arts High School - Duration: January 6, February 28, 2014 Math: Language Arts:

4 Aomar Elassa BarbaraJo Bruning Mihriban Gulistan Up to 30 hourly sessions per teacher compensation: will be at the contracted rate of $35.00 per/hour. The hourly rate will consist of instructional time in addition to the preparation time involved in teaching each class. R1.3 BE IT RESOLVED: that the Secaucus Board of Education does hereby approve to appoint the individuals listed below to co-curricular positions the school year as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools, and Allison Urbanovich Peer Leadership Advisor (new) $ Roseann Spiekermann UNICO Leadership Advisor $ BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that compensation for these position shall be contained in the Agreement between the Secaucus Education Association, Inc. and the Secaucus Board of Education and that no rights of tenure shall accrue by virtue of this appointment. R1.4 BE IT RESOLVED: that the Secaucus Board of Education does hereby appoint Andrew Saa as an Assistant Basketball Coach for the Fall/Winter Season with a stipend of $3590 as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: that compensation for these positions shall be contained in the Agreement between the Secaucus Education Association, Inc. and the Secaucus Board of Education and that no rights of tenure shall accrue by virtue of this appointment. Note: All Spring Coaching Positions, tabled. R1.5 BE IT RESOLVED: that the Secaucus Board of Education does hereby approve to appoint the following per/diem employees for the school year as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools, and

5 School Bus Drivers: Persio Guzman compensation: $15.00 per/hr Security Guard: Jude R. Smith compensation: $18.00 per/hour Substitute Teacher: Rosita Nunez - Certified Teacher. compensation - $80.00 per/day BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: compensation for substitute teachers the school year is set as follows: $75.00 per/day to start for individuals holding a Substitute Certificate. $85.00 per/day after 40 days for individuals holding a Substitute Certificate $80.00 per/day to start for Certified Teachers. $90.00 per/day after 40 days for Certified Teachers $ per/day for Substitute School Nurses R1.6 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Secaucus Board of Education hereby approves an increment adjustment for Fury Baker, Special Education Teacher from the 7 th StepBA+15 Guide ($59,748.00) to the 7 th Step MA Guide ($62,293.00) retroactive to September 1, 2013 as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools. R1.7 WHEREAS, the Secaucus Board of Education ( Board ) and Grace Yeo ( Yeo ) are parties to an Employment Agreement, wherein Yeo serves as to Assistant School Business Administrator/Assistant Board Secretary, for the period beginning July 1, 2013 and ending June 30, 2014; and WHEREAS, the Board s current School Business Administrator/Board Secretary is presently on a leave of absence; and WHEREAS, Yeo currently possesses a Standard Certificate to serve as a School Business Administrator; and WHEREAS, Yeo has served as Acting School Business Administrator/Board Secretary for the period March 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013; and WHEREAS, on August 22, 2013, the Board appointed Yeo to the position of Acting School Business Administrator/Board Secretary for the period July 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013 and approved an Addendum to the Employment Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the First Addendum ); and

6 WHEREAS, the Board is desirous of extending Yeo s appointment as Acting School Business Administrator/Board Secretary for the period from January 1, 2014 through June 30, NOW, THEREFORE, based on the foregoing premises and mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the parties hereby agree that: 1. Yeo shall be appointed Acting School Business Administrator/Board Secretary from January 1, 2014 through June 30, Yeo s duties as Acting School Business Administrator/Board Secretary shall commence on January 1, 2014, and end on June 30, 2014, at which time Yeo s duties as Acting School Business Administrator/Board Secretary shall terminate and Yeo shall continue her duties as Assistant School Business Administrator/Assistant Board Secretary. 3. Yeo shall be paid a prorated monthly stipend of $2500, from January 1, 2014 through June 30, 2014 (for a total of $15,000) which shall continue during her term as Acting School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, and which shall be in addition to her prorated annual salary of Ninety-Six Thousand Seven Hundred Sixty-Eight dollars ($96,768). 4. All other terms and conditions contained in Yeo s Employment Agreement with the Board for the school year not specifically addressed in this Addendum shall remain in full force and effect. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Addendum be approved pending County Executive approval The foregoing resolutions were adopted by the following roll call vote: Kelli D Addetta Dora Marra Kathy O Connell Lisa Snedeker Jack McStowe, President Yes No Abstain Absent M1.1 Motion by Mr. Riebesell, seconded by Mr. Gerbasio, and unanimously adopted by Board Members present to accept, with regret, letter of retirement from Carolyn Sansevere, School Bus Driver effective December 31, 2013.

7 M1.2 Motion by Mr. Riebesell, seconded by Mr. Gerbasio, and unanimously adopted by Board Members present to approve temporary leave of absence for Samuel Pasola, School Bus Driver retro-active to December 2, 2013 through the winter months. M1.3 Motion by Mr. Riebesell, seconded by Mr. Gerbasio, and unanimously adopted by Board Members present to approve Maternity/Child Rearing Leave for Allison Urbanovich, Social Studies Teacher, commencing February 28, 2014 through June 30, M1.4 Motion by Mr. Riebesell, seconded by Mr. Gerbasio, and unanimously adopted by Board Members present to post for a Maternity Leave Replacement for Allison Urbanovich from February 28, 2014 through June 30, The foregoing motions were adopted by the following roll call vote: 2. Curriculum Kelli D Addetta Dora Marra Kathy O Connell Lisa Snedeker Jack McStowe, President Yes No Abstain Absent R2.1 BE IT RESOLVED: that the Secaucus Board of Education does hereby approve the annexed Field Trips in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 53 Fiscal Accountability Measures: Subchapter 5, Subsection 5.8. R2.2

8 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Secaucus Board of Education herby approves the disposal of outdated material from the Child Study Team: o Key Math Diagnostic Inventory of Essential Mathematics o Computer Assist Program o Manual o Easels R2.3 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Secaucus Board of Education herby approves to add a prerequisite or corequisite of a business class to Advanced Computers. R2.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Secaucus Board of Education herby approves to add Comparative Religions & Cultures as a 2.5 credit class. R2.5 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Secaucus Board of Education herby approves to restructure Drama into either a one (1) 5 credit course with the ability to divide it into two (2) separate 2.5 credit courses. R2.6

9 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Secaucus Board of Education herby approves to add a prerequisite of Art 1 for Ceramics course. R2.7 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Secaucus Board of Education herby approves to add the supervisors name into the program of studies course. R2.8 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Secaucus Board of Education herby approves to add George Washington s Socks to the grade 4 approved reading list. R2.9 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Secaucus Board of Education herby approves to change the prerequisite for Chemistry to Algebra 2. R2.10 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Secaucus Board of Education herby approves to change the prerequisite for AP Spanish to the completion of Spanish IV.

10 R2.11 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Secaucus Board of Education herby approves to change the prerequisite for Physics Honors to Algebra 2/Trigonometry. R2.12 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Secaucus Board of Education herby approves to change the title of Experiments in Writing to College Writing and Readiness. R2.13 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Secaucus Board of Education herby approves to change Teacher Academy Requirement as follows: o Change Child Development 2 to optional o Offer Tomorrow's Teacher as college credit course to grade 11. R2.14 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Secaucus Board of Education herby approves to remove the mandate that everyone taking an AP class will take the AP exam. R2.15

11 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Secaucus Board of Education herby approves to omit the end of course Algebra 1 preparation clause from the summary in Algebra 1 and Algebra 1 Concepts. R2.16 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Secaucus Board of Education herby approves to omit STEM academy blurbs from the end of the science sections due to redundancy. The foregoing motions were adopted by the following roll call vote: Kelli D Addetta Dora Marra Kathy O Connell Lisa Snedeker Jack McStowe, President Yes No Abstain Absent 3. Finance R3.1 BE IT RESOLVED: that the Board of Education approves for payment the Bill List as per annexed in the amount of $1,981, R3.2

12 WHEREAS, the firm of Samuel Klein and Company has conducted a fiscal audit of the financial records of the Secaucus Board of Education for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013; and WHEREAS, recommendations by the auditor are contained in the Auditor s Financial Planning, Accounting and Reporting, wherein corrective action must be implemented; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the report be accepted and filed; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Corrective Action Plans listed below are hereby approved and adopted, and each person named therein responsible for the implementation of said corrective action by the date and time for completion. Recommendation A: Greater care be exercised when preparing the work papers used to develop the ASSA report. Person Responsible: Data Manager to review documentation submitted by Schools, prior to entering ASSA, and certification by Superintendent. Completion Date: October 1, 2013 R3.3 RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE TOWN OF SECAUCUS IN THE COUNTY OF HUDSON, NEW JERSEY AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF $3 MILLION PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF TEMPORARY SCHOOL NOTES TO INTERIM FINANCE A SCHOOL FACILITIES PROJECT WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Secaucus Town School District in the County of Hudson, New Jersey (the "Board of Education") approved the submission of a proposal (the Proposal ) to the voters of the School District by resolution adopted on September 19, 2013, which authorized the Board of Education to (A) undertake a Middle/High School facilities renovation and expansion project (the "Project"); (B) expend on the Project not exceeding $27,400,000; and (C) issue debt obligations of the School District to fund such Project expenditures on an interim and permanent basis, in an amount not to exceed $27,400,000; and WHEREAS, on December 10, 2013, at a special school district election, the Proposal was approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the legal voters present and voting; and WHEREAS, the Board of Education now seeks to authorize the issuance of $3,000,000 in temporary school notes (the Notes ) by December 31, 2013, to interim finance projected initial Project costs, pending the anticipated issuance of permanent Project bonds in July 2014;

13 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE TOWN OF SECAUCUS IN THE COUNTY OF HUDSON, NEW JERSEY THAT: 1. The Notes are hereby authorized and shall be issued in a principal amount not exceeding $3,000,000, pursuant to and within the limitations proscribed by Title 18A, Education, of the Revised Statutes of New Jersey (the "Education Law"), to interim finance the Project costs pending the anticipated issuance of permanent Project bonds in July All Notes issued hereunder shall be in the principal amount, shall bear interest at such rate or rates and be in such form and shall mature at such times as may be determined by the Business Administrator, provided that no Note shall mature later than one (1) year from its date. The Business Administrator shall determine all matters in connection with the Notes, and the signature of the Board President upon the Notes shall be conclusive evidence as to all such determinations. All Notes issued hereunder may be renewed from time to time in accordance with the provisions of Section 18A:24-3 of the Education Law. The Business Administrator is hereby authorized to sell part or all of the Notes from time to time at public or private sale and to deliver them to the purchaser thereof upon receipt of payment of the purchase price and accrued interest thereon from their dated dates to the date of delivery thereof. The Business Administrator is directed to report in writing to the Board of Education at the meeting next succeeding the date when any sale or delivery of the Notes is made. Such report must include a description of the principal amount, interest rate, purchase price, maturity schedule and name of the purchaser of the Notes so sold. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately. R3.4 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Secaucus Board of Education approve, as recommended by Superintendent the annexed out of district travel as of December 2013.

14 Employee Name Date(s) of Event Title of Event Location Registration Estimated Tolls Total Cost S.Conforti Jan.15, 2014 Utilizing technology to Parsippany $ mi..31 = $5.27 $ enhance world language instruction M. DeGennaro same as S. Conforti D. Doering Dec. 13, 2013 Understanding & Intervening to prevent suicide Lakewood $75.00 $75.00 M.Garrett Dec. 2, 2013 Systems Payroll Eatontown = $ $41.91 Tolls M. Garett Dec. 6, 2013 Update Pension Rules Neptune PERS, PFRS & TPAF J.Viggiano Dec.13, 2013 G. Yeo Dec. 6, 2013 Understanding & Intervening Lakewood $75.00 $75.00 to prevent suicide Update Pension Rules PERS, PFRS & TPAF Neptune R3.5 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Secaucus Board of Education authorize the submission of the NCLB amendment application for fiscal year 2014, and accept the grant modifications for these funds upon the subsequent approval of the 2014 NCLB amendment application, to the County Executive Superintendent.

15 The foregoing motions were adopted by the following roll call vote: Yes No Abstain Absent Kelli D Addetta Dora Marra* *R3.2 Kathy O Connell Lisa Snedeker Jack McStowe, President 4. Safety, Security Buildings & Grounds No Report 5. Technology No Report 6. Policy R6.1 Dora Mara BE IT RESOLVED, that the Secaucus Board of Education approve the second` reading of the following Policies: By Law Introduction & Policy: 3212A Administrative Attendance 3212B Central Office Attendance 3212C Family Illness/Absent 3 days or more 5519 Dating Violence at School 7. Athletic Liasion Mr. Riebesell reported that the Swim Team and Indoor Track seasons have begun, and that Cheerleading Competitions will soon be underway. 8. Shared Services No Report 9. New Business - None

16 Public General Comments Ms. Joan Cali, on behalf of the SEA, complimented the Board for all their cooperation this year and wished everyone Happy Holiday season. Board Member Comments Board President, Jack McStowe, read a letter to the audience addressed to board member Dora Marra, informing Ms. Marra that she has been absent from 5 (five) consecutive board meetings. Ms. Marra responded to the audience that she started a new business, is self employed and the sole provider. The business in located downtown New York and as a result she is unable to attend committee meetings during the day, and it is difficult to return (the business is open until 9PM) to Secaucus. It was the hope of Ms. Marra that this financial situation be taken into consideration. Mr. Anderson commented that Ms. Marra missed the most important meetings (concerning the Referendum) and that she could have phoned in her votes and it would have been registered on record. Mr. Anderson reminded Ms. Marra that she criticized the policy when it was adopted, and that she could have taken full advantage of the situation. He assured Ms. Marra that it was not his intention to vote Ms. Marra off the board but she should have communicated to the board the situation to avoid Mr. McStowe from sending the letter. Mr. McStowe reiterated that the Board has no intention of removing Ms. Marra from the Board. However, he is strongly recommending that she be removed from committees. All of the Board Members wished everyone a Happy Holiday and a great New Year. Each expressed their thanks and appreciation to the Mayor, Town Council, School Administration and staff for their hard work in the success of the December 10, 2013 Referendum. Mr. Riebesell wished Carolyn Sansevere well in her retirement. Ms. O Connell congratulated JSA on National Chapter of the month. Mr. Stephen Fogarty wished everyone a Happy Holiday. Motion by Mr. Gerbasio, seconded by Ms. D Addetta, and unanimously adopted by Board Members present to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:42pm. Respectfully submitted, Grace Yeo, Acting Board Secretary